'Raising voice against drugs has become life-threatening in Punjab': Rahul Gandhi's scathing attack on Mann govt over Jhota killing
PTC News Desk: The Congress on Thursday accused the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing to protect people fighting against drugs. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi cited incidents in Mansa and Sangrur, alleging that those raising their voices against drugs were facing violence, threats and even death.
Rahul criticised the Punjab government and demanded answers from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He asked who would protect those trying to save Punjab’s youth from drug addiction.
Referring to the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Rahul said the anti-drug activist was running the ‘Nasha Roko, Rozgar Do’ campaign when he was shot in broad daylight. The incident was captured during a Facebook Live session.
पंजाब में नशे के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज़ उठाना अब जानलेवा हो गया है। और यह भगवंत मान की AAP सरकार के राज में हो रहा है।
मानसा: 'नशा रोको, रोज़गार दो' अभियान चलाने वाले परविंदर सिंह झोटा को दिनदहाड़े गोली मार दी गई जो एक फ़ेसबुक लाइव पर साफ़ दिखी।
संगरूर - मुख्यमंत्री का अपना ज़िला: मज़दूर गुलज़ार सिंह ने मंत्री के सामने गाँव में नशे का सवाल उठाया। परिवार का आरोप है कि उसके बाद उन पर माफ़ी माँगने का दबाव डाला गया। उन्होंने अपनी जान दे दी।
संगरूर: नशे के ख़िलाफ़ बोलने वाले मोहनजीत सिंह पर हिरासत में यातना के आरोप - मामला अब हाईकोर्ट में है।
और झोटा की कहानी में एक बात और है। जब उन्होंने शिकायत की, तो FIR हुई और पुलिस ने बाद में झोटा को भी बुक कर दिया।
जिस सरकार में शिकायत करने वाला भी मुलज़िम बन जाए, वहाँ नशे के सौदागर बेख़ौफ़ क्यों न हों?
CM भगवंत मान जवाब दें: नशे के ख़िलाफ़ लड़ने वालों की हिफ़ाज़त कौन करेगा?
पंजाब के युवाओं का भविष्य तबाह करने वाले इस नशे के साम्राज्य को ख़त्म किए बिना कांग्रेस चैन से नहीं बैठेगी।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 15, 2026
Rahul also mentioned the death of labourer Gulzar Singh in Sangrur, the Chief Minister’s home district. He said Gulzar had raised the issue of drugs in his village in front of a minister. According to Rahul, Gulzar’s family alleged that he was pressured to apologise. He later died by suicide.
The Congress leader also referred to allegations of custodial torture involving Mohanjeet Singh, who had spoken out against drugs in Sangrur. Rahul said the matter was now before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Rahul also questioned the police investigation into Jhota’s case. He alleged that after Jhota filed a complaint, the police registered an FIR but later named Jhota himself as an accused.
“When the person who files a complaint is himself made an accused, why would drug traffickers not operate without fear?” Rahul asked.
Demanding accountability from Chief Minister Mann, Rahul said the Punjab government must explain how it would protect people who challenge the drug trade.
“The Congress will not rest until this drug empire, which is destroying the future of Punjab’s youth, is dismantled,” Rahul said.
- PTC NEWS